County Denies Barge Terminal For Future Sand Mine

Opponents of the Starved Rock area sand mine scored a minor victory.

The La Salle County Board Thursday voted 12 to 10 against granting a zoning change to ADM for a new barge terminal in Ottawa that would ship out sand from the proposed Mississippi Sand mine near Starved Rock State Park.  The vote came despite a unanimous recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals to approve the zoning change from Ag to industrial.

Board members like Rick Scott of Ottawa argue that ADM should ask for a special use permit instead of a zoning change.  If they got a special use permit, the property could only be used for shipping sand.  By getting a zoning change, the county has little control over what type of industry could use the property in the future.

A couple living near the proposed barge terminal also are against it.  They’re concerned about dust, noise and loss of property value.

Brett Madison with ADM says they’ve already spent a considerable amount of money to appease the couple.  He says it’s a balancing act putting in a multi-million dollar project that creates jobs while also trying to be a good neighbor.

L-P Graduation Being Relocated

Graduation festivities at L-P are being moved indoors.

Tonight’s graduation will be in the gym instead of at Howard Fellows Stadium.  Superintendent Steve Wrobleski says the football field is still too damp.

Graduation starts at 7.

Two Motorcycle Riders Hurt In Peru Crash

Two people remain hospitalized in Peoria after a motorcycle and van crash in Peru.

Robert Williams of LaMoille is in critical condition while his passenger Diane Carter of Peru is in serious condition after their motorcycle collided with a van Tuesday night on Route 6.  Peru Police say Williams was rounding a curve when he drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic and hit head-on a van driven by Larry Weide of Peru.

Weide was treated and released at St. Margaret’s Hospital.

Talks Delayed About Concerts For A Cause In Dalzell

No decision was made last night about a proposal to hold future concerts in Dalzell.

The Dalzell Village Board declined any decision on Merry Noonan’s proposal for a permanent stage until the village’s zoning board meets.  That board isn’t expected to meet until June.

Noonan owns land south of Timber Creek Estates Subdivision on the far south end of Dalzell.  She says the spot would be a great venue for her “Concerts for a Cause” series.  Noonan said the stage would face St. Bede in an effort to limit the noise for people living in the nearby subdivision.